Health & Wellbeing | 35
Reading Force: turning the pages together and sharing family time at home or away
When Mum or Dad is away from home on tours of duty or training, children and parents can miss the simple things of home life. Like reading children’s stories together, or children telling Mum or Dad about the book they’re reading. That’s where the charity Reading Force comes in. Reading Force is a fun family activity that helps bring your family closer by sharing books, whether you’re at home or apart.
“Next time Daddy deploys we are going to choose a book and repeat this process, doing Reading Force gave us something to talk about and focus on, as well as helping to count down the days.”
Your family can have a free special scrapbook and book to start your shared reading journey. You and your loved ones can read the book together (or another book of your choice) and fill the scrapbook with your thoughts on the book. If away from home, Forces Mums and Dads can read with their children over Skype or Facetime. Even if contact is not possible, Mums and Dads can take a copy of the book their children are reading with them. It’s comforting to know loved ones are reading the same story and can talk about it when reunited.
“Having a book like this is a great idea for all those that struggle with a deployment and it is also a great way to keep the dad/mum involved in the family no matter where they are.”
Anything can go in your scrapbook – photographs, thoughts about the book, drawings, and letters. When you’ve completed a scrapbook you are invited to enter the Reading Force Scrapbook Competition (in April and October every year) and receive a special certificate and book for taking part, and a chance to win a prize. All scrapbooks are returned to families by registered post to keep.
Forces families who have taken part in Reading Force say it’s a fun activity and helped them with continuity during separations and feel closer:
“With my daughter’s dad being away on exercise, doing Reading Force has filled a void and given us something to do and tell him about when he is able to call us via WhatsApp.”
Reading Force is free for serving, ex-serving and reservist families in all circumstances, whether at home together or separated. Pick up your scrapbook from your local HIVE Information Centre or school, or request one at www.
readingforce.org.uk. Scrapbooks come with a free book voucher postcard, simply fill in and send off to receive your free book.
“We never realized reading together could be this enjoyable. Thank you so much for this memorable experience.”
Follow Reading Force on Twitter and Facebook for news and book giveaways.
raf-ff.org.uk | Winter 2018 | ENVOY
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